Sports Injury Rehabilitation in North Vancouver
Sports injuries rarely come out of nowhere. Whether it's a nagging strain, a recurring ache, or pain that shows up every time you train, there's usually a specific factor driving it, often somewhere other than where the pain actually shows up. I assess how your whole movement system, not just the injured area, is handling load, so we can identify what's actually contributing to your injury and build a plan that addresses it, not just the symptom in front of us.
Your Injury Has a Cause. Let's Find It.
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr. Aaron Wallace, DC, MSc.
Common reasons people seek care
Sports-related injuries are one of the most common reasons people come into the office. But not every injury shows up the same way: a strain from last week's game needs a very different plan than an old, unaddressed injury that's quietly changed how you move for years. Here are some of the injuries I most commonly assess and treat:
Muscle Strain
A muscle strain, commonly known as a pulled muscle, occurs when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn, typically due to fatigue, overuse, or a sudden, forceful movement
Ligament Sprain
Though patients frequently call it a "muscle sprain," a sprain actually refers to the overstretching or tearing of a ligament, the tough band of connective tissue that links two bones together at a joint.
Medial Epicondylitis (Golfers Elbow)
Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow, often from repetitive gripping or swinging motions in sports like golf, climbing, or weightlifting.
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints)
Characterized by pain along the shin bone due to inflamed muscles, tendons, and bone tissue, this frequently affects athletes who rapidly increase their running volume or transition to harder running surfaces.
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Pain on the outside of the elbow, commonly linked to repetitive wrist extension or grip-heavy activities like tennis, racquet sports, or manual work. Golfer's elbow and tennis elbow both involve tendon loading. Read more about tendon rehabilitation.
What to expect during your session.
1
Comprehensive assessment
Your first visit includes a movement and clinical assessment of the affected area and how it connects to the rest of your body, looking at training load, movement mechanics, and recovery between sessions, so we understand what may be driving your symptoms before recommending any treatment.
2
A plan built around you
From there, we build an individualized plan that combines manual therapy with active, exercise-based rehabilitation. You'll know exactly what we're addressing, why, and what the process looks like going forward.
3
Built for long-term resilience
We track your progress at every visit, reassessing regularly and adjusting your plan as you improve. The goal is genuine, long-term resilience and a real return to the activities you care about, not an open-ended treatment plan.
Rehabilitation for North Shore activities
Your goals shape the plan. That might mean building tolerance for running and hills, returning to skating or skiing, or managing the demands of lifting and recreational sport. We identify relevant milestones and review your response as training progresses.
How long does recovery take?
Return to sport depends on the injury, your starting capacity and the demands of the activity. We use your assessment and progress to set practical milestones. A general recovery estimate is a starting point, not a guarantee or automatic clearance to return.
Do you focus strictly on the injured area?
Because sports require your body to work together, I look at the kinetic chain to address underlying mechanical factors that may contribute to the injury.
How long will it take before I can return to my sport?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the tissue involved. We set clear, function-based milestones so you know what is needed to return to your sport.
Related care
Book an assessment
Appointments with Dr. Aaron Wallace are available in North Vancouver and West Vancouver. Choose a clinic to see contact details and booking options.